Archives for 2017

Aug2

Bobbing with excitement over young Burrowing Owls!

Regina, SK – July 31, 2017 - The end of July marks an exciting time as juvenile Burrowing Owls have been spotted leaving their nests! After weeks of being fed by their parents they are now able to forage for themselves and perch up on lookouts and fence posts. If you are traveling around rural Saskatchewan, it is a great time to spot a Burrowing Owl. However, vehicles can be dangerous for the young and inexperienced owls. Kaytlyn Burrows, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator at Nature Saskatchewan explains that “at dusk the road surface tends to be warmer than surrounding grasslands, attracting many small insects and rodents and as a result, young owls are also attracted to the road and ditch when they begin searching for prey”.

The Burrowing Owl population has been steadily declining, making the survival of each and every owl critical for the ultimate survival and growth of the endangered population. Motorists this summer can reduce the risk of owl-vehicle collisions by slowing down near known or potential nest sites and keeping an eye out for low-flying owls.

Doing this will not only help Burrowing Owls to survive, but may also increase your chances of spotting this endangered bird! A few key features to remember when identifying a Burrowing Owl are their mottled brown and white feathers, white ‘eyebrows’, and long featherless legs that look like ‘stilts’. Don’t be fooled by its small size – it is only 9 inches tall (about the size of a Meadowlark).

Nature Saskatchewan has been involved with the protection and conservation of the Burrowing Owl for 30 years, but its success would not have been possible without the help of landowners, land managers, and the public. Operation Burrowing Owl works with landowners across southern and central Saskatchewan, and uses voluntary agreements in an effort to preserve the rapidly disappearing habitat that the species needs. The program works alongside landowner practices, and the land continues to be used in a way that benefits the landowner.

“If you see a Burrowing Owl, please give us a call on our toll-free Hoot Line, at 1-800-667-HOOT (4668),” Burrows mentions. “You will be helping to monitor the population and aid with conservation efforts.” Personal information is never shared without permission.